Issues

Controversy

Carpetbagger accusations

In a December 11, 2013, interview, Mooney defended his move, saying that the panhandle is “the fastest growing part of West Virginia; a lot of folks have moved from Maryland and other places. And frankly, they’ve embraced my candidacy and are excited about it.”[6]

Race background

Ballotpedia rated the race for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat as “simmering” because Mooney, who was accused of being a “carpetbagger” for moving from Maryland to West Virginia to run for Congress, had to win over voters who knew little about the outsider.[8] According to Roll Call, “many local and national Republicans are concerned about the GOP’s ability to hold the seat in November.”[8] His opponent, Nick Casey, was a well-connected, native West Virginian who had more cash on hand than Mooney, and more than 80 percent of the money he raised came from in-state donors.[9] It was rated a "Leans Republican" contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.[10]

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